Mystery with 2002 Camry Key

Did you read the owner's manual to your car?

It's covered in there.

Maybe the poor fellow lost his manual along with his keys. What then?

Well so it is!

Our car does have the Immobilization System, and that must be the problem. I was surprised that the starter would crank. Apparently the IS operates after the starter.

So I suppose our master key is no longer recognized by the IS. I wonder why not, and whether the dealer will charge an arm and a leg to re-set the master key.

Thanks for the lead.

BC

Thanks for your concern. I did feel like the teacher had caught me not doing my homework.

BC studious

Doesn't really make sense though. If you never took the car for a replacement key and reprogram, the old master key should still work. I assume you never did anything after losing the key.. Myself, I hate the IS... I have it on mine, and I think it's fairly useless.. The only thing it's good for is leaving you totally stranded if you lose the key, and providing the dealer with a way to bend you over for a replacement key.. You gotta buy the key blank, and then have it programmed. Usually about a 100 bucks, but I've seen one dealer ask about

The IS system prevents a lot of cars from being stolen. Even with a key copy, or hot-wiring the ignition wires, the car will not start. In fact, I get a 5% insurance discount for having this system in my car. My dealer charges $50.- to re-program such a key.

Good luck.

Morton